Germany warns Ukraine's air defense support pushing its limits
Photo: Armin Laschet, Chair of the Bundestag's Foreign Affairs Committee (Getty Images)
Germany has already provided Ukraine with everything it could to support its air defense and currently has no additional capacity for new deliveries, according to the Berliner Zeitung.
Armin Laschet, chairman of the Bundestag's Foreign Affairs Committee, is asked what else the Bundeswehr or the German defense industry could do to prepare Ukraine's air defense for winter. The politician's response is brief: "In my view, there is no room for maneuver."
According to Laschet, the federal government has already exhausted its available options and has no additional capacity that could be quickly mobilized to assist Ukraine.
"We have provided everything possible to support Ukraine," he adds.
The politician is also asked about long-range weapons that Ukraine could use to strike deep into Russia. Laschet does not give a direct answer regarding the prospects of supplying such weapons, but instead referred to US President Donald Trump's position.
According to the German politician, Trump has strongly urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to attack Russian oil refineries and diesel fuel production facilities.
"I believe that for now, we should focus on de-escalation," Laschet states.
He believes that a deterioration in relations with the United States could harm Ukraine. Therefore, it is important for Kyiv to maintain Washington's support, particularly access to the Starlink satellite service and intelligence.
At the same time, Laschet acknowledges that decisions regarding strike targets are made by the Ukrainian side. "We cannot advise them on this," the politician says, adding that he had already expressed his position on the need for restraint.
In recent days, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have encountered limitations in the operation of Starlink. Specifically, the Ukrainian military has been unable to use drones traveling at speeds exceeding 160 km/h.
Germany is funding the Starshield satellite communication system for the Ukrainian military. The contract runs through April 2027, and Kyiv is asking for the speed restrictions to be lifted and for the system to resume full operation.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized the Starlink restrictions in Ukraine and called for their removal. He emphasized that Germany paid for part of the Starlink equipment in Ukraine, which is why Berlin insists on its full operation.
